Varna System in Ancient India (1)

1. Varna System in Ancient India Varna System in Ancient India formed the basic structure of Hindu society. It is among the world’s oldest forms of surviving social stratification. Varna system divided the society into four major sections based on the occupation of the people. Varna System in Ancient India was based on occupation, but with time it turned to a rigid caste system. ‘Varna’ literally means group inSanskrit. With the advent of the Aryans, the ancient Indian society got divided into four sections - Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra. In Hinduism, the Varna System was based on class, colour, guna, and yoga. The first 3 Varna is called twice born. It implies that they have come of age and are eligible to study Sanskrit and the Vedas and perform Vedic rituals. The thread ceremony marks the second birth among the Indian male. For girls it is during their marriage that a thread is tied round their hands to mark the second birth. Besides Hindus, this custom is also prevalent with the Jains. Etymology of Varna “Varna” is a Sanskrit word derived from the term “vr” which mean to cover or envelop. It also denotes classification or choosing something. “Varna” as a word first appeared in Rig veda to represent or distinguish physical appearance, character, complexion, shape, or size. In ancient Hindu epics, the word meant colour, race, tribe, or any species. “Varna system” as caste or social classes was first referred inManusmriti. Theoretical classification of Varna system describes the concept as Jati or groups which is further divided into two categories. These include endogamous groups and exogamous groups. While endogamous groups prefer marrying within the same community or varna, exogamous groups are more liberal about social groups and identifies varna based on gotras. Gotra is denotes lineage of a person. Historical Evidences of Varna System Varna System has been referred to many ways in ancient Indian texts like epics, Vedas, and also in religious texts apart from Hindu scriptures. Below are some excerpt and details provided about the mention of “Varna” system in ancient texts.

2. Mahabharata: The reference to the Varna System can be traced back to the religious texts of the land. In Mahabharata (Anushasana Parva, Chapter 163) it is said: "O Devi, if even a Sudra is actually engaged in the occupation andhas pure behaviour of a Brahmana, he becomes a Brahmana. Moreover, a Vaishya can become a Kshatriya. Therefore, neither the source of one’s birth, nor his reformation, nor hiseducation is the criterion of a Brahmana. The vritti, or occupation, is the real standard by which one is known as a Brahmana". So it is not birth but one’skarma that decided his class. In Bhagavata Gita, varna system is based on the qualities, profession, and duties of the people in the society. A quote from the Hindu scripture reads: “Of Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaishyas, as also of Sudras, O scorcher of foes, the duties are distributed according to the Gunas born of their own nature.”